The Scarlet Tanager is a medium sized American songbird, originally thought to be part of the Tanager family, it has now been reclassified as part of the Cardinal family. They share a lot of similarities to the Cardinal family, most notably the plumage and vocalization. Adult males are a bright vibrant crimson-red with black wings and tail, whilst females are yellowish green on the underbelly with an olive tone to the upper body. They occur in eastern North America where they arrive in May for the breeding season. This generally occurs in June and July but can be as late as August depending on how far north they travel. Populating decidous forest areas and feeding mainly on insects which they catch mid flight and also occasionally on the ground. They lay 4-5 eggs in a clutch and the eggs are a light blue color. Towards the end of September they start their migration to the Montane forest in the Andean foothills of northwestern South America.

1. The Male Tanager molts after breeding season, losing his vibrant scarlet plumage. Replacing it with a yellowish green plumage that bresembles that of the female.
2. Unlike many birds, Scarlet Tanagers regularly consume Bees and Wasps. Removing the sting by rubbing the insect against a tree.
3. Forest health affects the these birds as habitat fragmentation can reduce the breeding success, the nest become more vulnerable to predators. They prefer large mature forests

• Length: 16-19cm
• Wingspan: 25-30cm
• Habitat: Mature deciduous forest, particularly oak woodland
• Diet: Insects including beetles, caterpillars, bees and wasps. Also fruit